Last Updated on 12 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
Usman Khawaja claims the whole Australian group knew about sandpaper in the 2018 Test series against South Africa, and even revealed that using sandpaper was discussed in the previous Test at Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha).
In an interview with Nine ahead of the launch of his autobiography Sabr, Khawaja said everyone was involved rather than only the leadership group. David Warner and then-captain Steve Smith were banned for 12 months, Cameron Bancroft for nine, while coach Darren Lehmann and CEO James Sutherland resigned from their respective roles.
What did Usman Khawaja say about the sandpaper scandal?
“It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us,” Khawaja said.
“I’ve seen Davey [Warner] over the last eight years just get nailed bad over and over again, and it’s taken a big man not to say anything and just to stay quiet. And he’s just copped it and he’s copped it and he’s copped it.
“And then ‘Bangers’ [Bancroft] in the same note, particularly, he played a little bit of Test cricket after that, but then never came back in, even though he’s been scoring a lot of runs. He’s been a terrific cricketer for a long time, but I know it’s something that hangs over his head.
“Even Steve Smith. Steve’s lucky, the greatest batsman of my generation. He came back from that, and he’s come back as good as he ever was in that first Ashes series, and it’s kind of been forgotten for him in some respects. But I know he has never ever forgotten that year and how it all panned out.”
Khawaja says the reason he is coming out with these claims is for the sake of the three players mentioned above.
“I’m not doing this for any other reason than I think it’s the right thing to do. I’ve always felt like there’s more to life than just cricket, and these guys, in some respect, deserve that justice.
“And it just doesn’t feel like anyone’s going to give it to them. None of those three want to be the first to say anything. And rightly so, it will just be hearsay and ‘their word’ if they do. They needed someone else to say something.”
How members of the Australian team – particularly the bowlers – respond will make for interesting viewing. In 2021, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon released a joint statement claiming they were unaware about plans to use sandpaper on the ball.
Cricket Australia respond to Usman Khawaja’s claims
Cricket Australia (CA) released a statement in light of Khawaja’s claims.
“There has been a great deal of speculation in the eight years since the 2018 Cape Town Test, including extensive media coverage throughout last month’s series in South Africa,” the CA statement said, as per Sydney Morning Herald.
“During this time there has been the ongoing opportunity to present any relevant information, and this remains the case.
“All relevant information presented to CA to date has been properly considered and we remain comfortable with the findings of our integrity process.”
Widespread reaction to Usman Khawaja’s sandpaper claims
Predictably, Khawaja’s statements on the events of 2018 have led to widespread reaction. Fans have questioned the timing of Khawaja’s claims with his book set to be released.
Even South Australia coach and former Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris had his say. “It’s taken him eight years to say that… that’s a bit disappointing,” he said.
“Astonishing read. Khawaja actually has the nerve to frame this like he’s doing everyone some noble favour “Exposing” the truth for your BOOK, years on, once retired and untouchable, is unbelievably low. Why didn’t you speak up when those three were taking the fall and getting handed the bans?” wrote Australia fan Neal Gardner.
“If he felt so strongly about sandpapergate, keeping quiet while he was still playing was purely self-serving,” wrote Andrew Menzcel, host of Cricket Unfiltered podcast.
Here are some of the reactions.
